Getting Motivated... again and again

I think one of the most difficult things with eating healthy, working out, and making changes is staying motivated. It's pretty easy to get motivated the for that first trip to the gym, first day of eating healthy, going on that first run, or cutting out that first unhealthy food. And often it's easy enough to do for a few days. However, it's maintaining that schedule or habit for days, weeks, months that is the most difficult.

There are plenty of things that can happen to derail someone from their best intentions. I've had my own hang ups so far. I've had physically and emotionally difficult days where the last thing I wanted to do was work out or just didn't care about what I ate. I have been far from perfect on my journey but I am still seeing progress and don't want to give up. I've been able to maintain pretty good eating habits and have been working out but I feel like I'm losing steam. So I've been trying to think of a list of things to do in order to stay motivated or find that extra push.

The following list is in no particular order. These are things that I have done, will be doing soon, or things that I think would work for people even if I haven't done them personally.

The List

• Do it everyday. When it comes to working out it is good to give your body a break but I've found that when I give myself a day or two off  it makes that Monday work out difficult; not physically but mentally getting myself to actually do it. Even if you need a break from your normal work outs (muscle repair, sore joints, etc.) take some time, even if it's 10 min, to purposefully do something active. Take a walk, lift some weights, do yoga. Just do something and make it purposeful. It will make it easier to do your normal routine the following days because you are still in the mind set of taking time out of your day for exercise.

• If you leave notes for yourself, set goals, or write on your mirror change it up occasionally. If you see the same post-it note or motivational image every day after awhile it loses it's meaning and you may not even notice it. Every few weeks, or as soon as you realize you are ignoring it, change it! Find a new inspirational quote, image, goal and put it somewhere different.

• Find what it was that motivated you the first time. No matter what it was whether it was a picture, a blog, something traumatic or exciting happening, a quote, anything... revisit it. It may have been sometime since reading/seeing/living whatever it was that worked for you. Re-examine that inspiration and think about how motivated you were the first time. Consider if what you're currently doing is still getting you to where you want to be. If it's not consider what change you need to make.

• Anyone who has read this blog knows I love Pinterest. I find a lot of inspiration from the Health and Fitness section. There are great quotes, blogs, work outs, and recipes to give you that little nudge of inspiration. I have also realized that when I am feeling guilty about not eating right or exercising I will avoid looking at it. So now I know if I'm feeling that way that is the time I need it the most. I need that little kick on the pants to get back on track.

• I know this is a tried and true tip but it's because it often works. Find a buddy. I don't like to work out with other people that much but I do find it more motivating if I have a friend that is trying the same work outs/challenges/eating habits that I am. You can share tips, recipes, and keep each other motivated. It's my hopes some people will comment on my blog and let me know if they are trying anything that I am. We can be each other's buddies if you need one. If you or an old buddy starts to slip make a new pact or find someone who wants to start a new challenge with you

• Get a personal trainer. I do not have the means but if I did, I would have one. It's like the tip above, you just have a professional buddy at least for the work out part. I would love to have someone there to push me that much harder every time I work out. Also if you are a beginner it can be a good way to learn the basics. Even if you just have one session (sometimes places will give one free session with a gym membership) you can learn what kind of moves to do to target areas, how to use equipment, and it will help you feel a little more comfortable maneuvering the gym.

• Set new goals. You may start working out or eating healthy without ever setting goals. Maybe somewhere in the back of your mind there was an ultimate goal but whether you are just getting started or need another push take the time to sit down and write out your goals. Try making daily goals, weekly, monthly, and long term goals. It may include how many minutes you will exercise each day, how much weight you want to lose each week, a 30 Day challenge you want to complete, or just broad goals like living a healthy lifestyle, living a long active life. It can be anything. And if you fall short of a goal, its ok! Readdress it , set a new one, or set the same one and figure out what you will do differently.

• Keep track of your progress. Take pictures, take measurements, keep a journal of how you feel. One way or another track your progress. I never took before and after pictures in the past, always meant to but never got around to it. This time it's made such a difference. Sometimes you don't realize how far you've come when you see yourself in the mirror every day. Take those pictures or measurements and if you are feeling yourself lose that motivation look at what progress you've made and think of how good it feels to win even those small battles.

• If anyone else has tips or tricks please feel free to share!